Five Reasons Your Building Needs a Peer-to-Peer-Based IP Intercom

By Aiphone | September 27, 2023
Read Time: 4 Minutes

Intercom systems can provide a facility with a significant amount of security and control, enabling users to effectively communicate with other individuals throughout a building and manage the flow of visitors. Over the years, this technology has evolved considerably, from a voice-only intercom solution to include multiple technologies such as IP cameras and integrations with access control badge readers.

When selecting an intercom system, end users have the option of deploying either a SIP-based system, one that relies upon a central server to communicate between devices, or a peer-to-peer-based system that leverages a direct communication structure.

There are many reasons that a facility executive may decide to invest in a peer-to-peer-based system, from reduced cost of ownership and a simpler system design, to unlimited system size and the ability to adjust the system as needed. Here are five benefits of a peer-to-peer-based intercom system.

Easy Design and System Growth Capabilities

Security systems installed today also need to be able to expand as business needs change, whether that involves installing additional surveillance cameras throughout a building or expanding the company-wide intercom system. Because a peer-to-peer intercom system does not require a dedicated centralized server, end users do not need to worry about the overhead cost and the technology know-how required to connect an intercom to a server. A peer-to-peer intercom system also eliminates licensing fees that are required with a SIP-based system, as each device would require a license to reside on the network.

In addition, a peer-to-peer intercom system does not have any distance limitations between connected devices, whereas a SIP-based system can lose signal strength the greater the distance between devices. The direct connection provided through a peer-to-peer intercom system reduces latency and ensures that messages are transmitted more efficiently.

Woman entering secure building with IP Intercom technology.

Devices Connect Using Common Components

When installing an intercom in an existing building, it’s important to understand the network structure between the walls. Is the building equipped with copper wire, coax, fiber optics or Cat-5 cables? Regardless of this, a peer-to-peer intercom system can leverage the existing infrastructure, eliminating the need to fully upgrade the wiring and network building-wide.

Peer-to-peer-based systems also do not require any specialized network drops for connection, enabling intercom devices to be connected using existing and standard connection drops typically found in a corporate office, school, or doctor’s office. This also makes adding or relocating an intercom device easier to manage.

Plug-and-play Devices Reduce Installation Time and Costs

Time is money and this is especially important to understand when it comes to installing an intercom system. A plug-and-play system pre-programmed to include call transfer rules, call station names, and the ability to call multiple stations at once can save a considerable amount of money traditionally spent on system configuration.

An added benefit is that devices can automatically discover and connect to one another, simplifying the installation process by reducing time and the possibility of errors. Maintenance fees are also reduced in peer-to-peer intercom systems because they take a decentralized approach and do not rely upon a centralized server which can be expensive to maintain.

Flexibility to Combine Sites Using Cloud Technology

Cloud capabilities remain relevant in peer-to-peer intercom systems, enabling facility managers to connect multiple locations using cloud technology. By taking this approach, facility executives can reduce staffing costs by using a single point of contact to manage intercom systems for multiple buildings, regardless of where that individual is located.

This can also help a business ensure coverage for an intercom system during dark business hours when many employees are not actively on site, but a reliable communication source is still needed to accept deliveries or to screen after-hours visitors.

Enhancing Cyber Security

Without a central server, a peer-to-peer-based intercom system is less vulnerable to cyberattacks and security breaches that can compromise data or the entire system. Intercom messages are directly routed, reducing the risk that someone may gain unauthorized access to the system itself.

When evaluating what type of intercom system to install, facility executives should keep in mind the benefits of a peer-to-peer intercom system. With a decentralized communication protocol, a peer-to-peer intercom system is highly beneficial for various applications that demand dependable, scalable, and cost-effective communication solutions.

How to Take Advantage of Peer-to-Peer IP Intercom

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ABOUT THE SPONSOR

This article was brought to you in partnership with Aiphone.
Aiphone’s wide breadth of high-quality, reliable products offer solutions for security points in almost any application. Known for design simplicity, technical excellence, and backed by award-winning customer support, our highly configurable systems range from DIY audio intercoms, through sophisticated video entry systems, all the way to enterprise-level, IP-based communication networks with emergency call stations.